LAHORE, Sept 26: Governor Khalid Maqbool said on Monday the government was providing all facilities for promotion of cultural activities to help project soft image of the country internationally.

He was speaking at a presentation given to him here at the Governor’s House by Rafi Pir Theatre representatives, regarding the ‘International Performing Arts Festival’ to be arranged by the group from Nov 18 to 28 at the Alhamra Cultural Complex, Lahore.

Rafi Pir Theatre chairman Usman Pirzada told the governor that 800 delegates from 44 countries would participate in the cultural festival, during which 12 shows would be held daily, with the premier for the press to be held on November 16.

Alhamra Art Council director Asghar Gilani, PU College of Art and Design principal Prof Hasan Shahnawaz Zaidi, Lahore College for Women University Fine Arts Department’s Mrs Sara Umar and Asghar Nadeem Syed, Government College University, were also present on the occasion.

The governor appreciated efforts of the Rafi Pir Theatre for the promotion of cultural activities, observing that “such activities bring the country in the limelight and help project a positive image at the international level.”

He suggested that the cultural festival should also be held in cities, including Multan and Faisalabad, for which the government would provide all necessary facilities, including transport and accommodation.

Governor Maqbool said students of different institutions should also be invited in the festival, so that they could learn through direct interaction with the maestros.

Mr Pirzada said the festival was unique and the largest of its kind in the country, featuring dances, puppetry, theatre and music of diverse cultures.

The governor directed that the Alhamra Art Council, PU College of Art and Design, and the Fine Arts Department of Lahore College for Women University should also put up a show each during this cultural extravaganza.

He urged the PU College of Arts and Design to benefit from the performing arts facilities, available at Alhamra Art Council for practical training of students.—APP